The Christchurch airport is 11km north west of the city center, and since Christchurch is the main international gateway to the South Island, the airport has been recently upgraded and now has some of the best facilities in the country. There is a public bus that leaves Cathedral Square, on weekdays every half hour from 7.10am until 9.40pm, and every hour on weekends, Saturdays from 8.25am until 9.25pm, Sundays until 7.25pm. Door-to-door shuttle companies operate 24 hours a day in Christchurch, and cost $8 per person. The two companies are best contactable by telephone Super Shuttle, 03 365-5655 and Carrington, 03 352-6369. Taxis pick up from the airport, though there is an additional surcharge of $1, and cost about $20, to the city center.

Public Transport
Buses are the best way to get around in Christchurch most buses are operated by Canride and run from Cathedral Square. Bus information can be obtained by phone from Bus Phone, 03 366-8855. Fares are $0.90, $1.80 or $2.70, depending upon how far one is traveling. The Shuttle is a free service, with about 20 pick up points in the central city area, it runs every 10 minutes during the week, between 8am and 7pm(and until 9.30pm Friday and Saturday, until 6pm Sunday). City Circuit bus run two circuits through the city, leaving from the visitors center and visit most of the main tourist spots, costs are $25 for eight hours travel on either circuit, and $15 for travel on only one of the circuits.

Taxis
Christchurch has ample taxis, and several firms run taxi services. Flag fall is $1.90, each kilometer costs $1.70, waiting time is $0.60 per minute and $1 surcharge is applied when the taxi goes to the airport.